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Bartlett to lead corn checkoff org.

Feels marketing, research is important to help corn farmers

Charlie Bartlett of Merino has returned to the leadership of the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, following a vote by the CCAC board during its annual meeting.

Bartlett was selected to fill the position left by the term-limited Mark Oestman of Eckley, who stepped down from the office after three years. Bartlett had served a previous term as CCAC president prior to Oestman, and more recently was vice president of the Colorado Corn Growers Association. Additionally, Bartlett serves as president of the Colorado Agricultural Water Alliance.

The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee oversees how Colorado's corn check-off dollars (one penny per bushel of corn produced in Colorado) are spent on research, market development, outreach, education and other various endeavors.

Bartlett said he is honored to be selected for the office, and hopes he can the wishes of the committee. "I think it's an important position," he said. "Agriculture is in a position where we need to tell our story."

The Merino man has been running his own small operation, growing mostly corn along with some alfalfa, beans and wheat since 1975.

He feels the CCAC's work with the check-off funds helps farmers realize a better return on their crops. While the organization can't affect the ups and downs of grain prices, he said the research and marketing funded through CCAC helps identify new uses for corn and opens doors to new markets. He noted the organization's assistance in getting corn ethanol off the ground, including researching the idea and putting in pumps at gas stations to encourage the industry's growth. He also cited a root architecture study that was picked up by a seed company and continued.

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As a past president, Bartlett said he brings experience that helps him "know a little bit about what I'm getting into," and it's a position he enjoys. He said he likes to work with farmers, researchers, marketers and others to support Colorado corn growers.

Bartlett is joined on the CCAC Executive Committee by Doug Wilson of Olathe, vice president (re-elected); Troy Schneider of Burlington, secretary; and Chris Wagner of Longmont, treasurer (re-elected).

Charlie Bartlett

The Colorado Corn Growers Association, the professional membership organization for corn producers, also held its annual meeting this month. Dave Eckhardt of LaSalle was re-elected to a second term as president of the organization.

He is joined by Jeff Self of Springfield, vice president; Rod Hahn of Yuma, secretary (re-elected); and Aaron Frank of Kirk), treasurer (re-elected).

The Colorado Corn Growers Association is comprised of dues-paying members who are politically active, focusing on policy that impacts corn producers and ag in general.

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